Sep. 27, 2013

I read the Free Press’ in-depth story (“How Detroit Went Broke”) about Detroit’s bankruptcy with interest. The story was well-researched and informative. What wasn’t examined was why people started to leave the city. The reason wasn’t racial.

In the 1940s, Detroit was the main arsenal for the war. Many, if not all, the factories in Detroit were converted for the war effort. A substantial amount of office buildings in Detroit were filled by the U.S. government by way of the military. After the war ended, those office buildings emptied out. In most major cities, the lack of land and available space led to development spreading beyond city limits. In Detroit, it took about eight years to fill the existing office and factory inventory.

During that time, our population was growing, and with it, a need for new housing. Because of the demand for offices, warehouses and housing and the lack of available land in the city, developers looked for other options. But the population’s dependence on services in downtown Detroit, combined with the lack of rapid transportation and an antiquated system of roads, made it impossible to develop much farther away from downtown.

In 1954, Northland, the first modern shopping center in the country, was built in Southfield. It featured the J.L. Hudson Co. department store surrounded by several stores duplicated from downtown. Northland was an instant success. It offered free parking, easy access and a more relaxed environment. Before long, office and medical buildings, restaurants and other services were built, as well. This was a game-changer for the beginning of decentralizing the nearly 2 million people who lived in Detroit. The new offices were modern, with central air-conditioning and heating. Free parking and much lower operating expenses enhanced the appeal. New housing came with modern conveniences, new schools and infrastructure, including roads. Services, stores, churches, offices and housing attracted customers from the city — and at the expense of the city. This story was repeated over and over again in surrounding communities outside of Detroit.

The gradual drain of city residents continued until summer of 1967, when the race riots took place. Then the drain became a deluge. There was a mass exodus.

I could elaborate, but the story told the rest of the story well. I hope this piece of the story is helpful.